Agricultural input selection systems, methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter alternates between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the ability to control crop input applications on asite-specific basis (known as “precision farming”) has increasedinterest in varying input types throughout a field. In particular,advances in seed genetics and agronomic research have increased the needfor solutions enabling the variation of seed types in the field during aplanting operation. Prior proposed solutions such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,543,238 require multiple meters at each row unit and arerelatively slow to transition between seed types. Other proposedsolutions involve shifting between input types fed to the meteringunits, which results in blending of input types at the metering unitsand thus blended input regions in the field. Preferred solutions wouldquickly transition between input types with limited blending betweenseed types.

Thus there is a need in the art for systems, methods and apparatus foreffectively selecting and varying agricultural input types during anin-field operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an agricultural inputselection system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a segregatedpneumatic line as viewed along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of an embodiment of another embodiment of asegregated pneumatic line.

FIG. 4 illustrates the segregated pneumatic line as viewed along line4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seedmeter having three segregated seed pools and a central seed pool.

FIG. 6 illustrates an expanded partial view of the seed meter embodimentas viewed along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a partial side elevation view of another embodiment of seedin direct selective seed communication with a segregated pneumatic line.

FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of the end of a segregated pneumaticline in seed communication with the seed meter embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the end of a segregated pneumatic linein seed communication with the seed meter embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meterincluding a pair of shifting seed pools in selective seed communicationwith a pneumatic line and in selective seed communication with a seeddisc.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meterincluding multiple seed pools and a deflector key.

FIG. 10 a top plan view of the deflector key of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meterincluding multiple seed pools and a vacuum cutoff roller key.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the vacuum cutoff roller key of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an electrical systemfor selecting seed varieties.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a process for implementing andmapping seed variety selections.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a process for implementing andmapping seed variety selections.

FIG. 16A is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed meterincluding multiple seed pools and a deflector key.

FIG. 16B is an enlarged partial side elevation view of a seed sidehousing of the seed meter of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A-17C are orthographic views of the deflector key of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a process for implementing andmapping seed variety selections.

DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1schematically illustrates a variety selection system 100. The varietyselection system 100 is preferably mounted to a pneumatic seed deliveryplanter similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,770, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which planteris preferably drawn through the field by a tractor (not shown).

Variety Selection Systems

The variety selection system 100 preferably includes segregated bulkseed hoppers 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, which are preferably supported by atoolbar of the planter or a cart drawn behind the planter. Each bulkseed hopper 110 is preferably in fluid communication with an associatedentrainer 115. Each entrainer 115 is preferably in fluid communicationwith a blower or other pressure source P and is configured to distributeseeds received pneumatically from the bulk seed hoppers to a pluralityof row units 190 via a plurality of pneumatic lines 120.

The entrainers 115 and pneumatic lines 120 are preferably configured toevenly distribute seeds between the row units 190. After the seeds passthrough each line 120, seeds pass through a seed meter 140, which maycomprise a seed meter such as that disclosed in Applicant's co-pendingInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/030192, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.Each seed meter 140 preferably includes a seed pool 145 (see also FIG.5) where seeds gather after being delivered to the meter 140. A seeddisc 141 (FIG. 5) captures seeds from near the bottom of the seed pool145 and deposits the seeds into a seed tube or seed conveyor. Afterentering the seed tube or conveyor, the seeds then pass by a seed sensor155 (FIG. 1), which is preferably mounted to a seed tube of the row unitand which may comprise either an optical sensor or an electromagneticsensor. After passing the seed sensor 155, the seeds are deposited intoa trench opened by the row unit.

Turning to FIG. 13, an electrical system 600 for controlling the varietyswitch is illustrated schematically. The electrical system 600preferably includes a monitor 610 having a graphical user interface 612,a memory 614 and a CPU 616. The monitor 610 is preferably in electricalcommunication with the seed sensors 155 of the variety selection system100. The monitor 610 is preferably also in electrical communication witha global positioning (“GPS”) receiver 666 preferably mounted to thetractor and one or more speed sensors 668 preferably mounted to thetractor or the planter. The monitor 610 is preferably also in electricalcommunication with row clutches 670 and seed meter drives 672 configuredto individually control each seed meter 140 or a group of seed meters.The monitor 610 is also preferably in electrical communication with anarray of downforce sensors 662 (e.g., strain gauges) configured tomeasure the downforce applied to individual row units of the planter andan array of ride quality sensors 664 (e.g., accelerometers) configuredto generate a signal related to the ride quality of individual row unitsof the planter.

The monitor 610 is preferably in electrical communication with a seedpool level sensor 630 associated with each seed pool 145 at each rowunit 190. The monitor 610 is preferably in electrical communication withone or more seed pool actuators 650 associated with each seed pool 145at each row unit 190. In other embodiments, the monitor 610 is inelectrical communication with a valve 640 configured to open or close anassociated seed pool actuator 650. Each valve 640 is preferably in fluidcommunication with a pressurized fluid source (e.g., an air compressor).In some embodiments described herein, the seed pool actuators 650comprise actuators configured to close and open seed pool doors. Inother embodiments, each seed pool actuator 650 comprises a servo motorconfigured to modify the position of a seed pool gate disposed at theend of a pneumatic line. In other embodiments, each seed pool actuatorcomprises a servo motor configured to modify the position of a seed poolat each row unit 190. In other embodiments, each seed pool actuatorcomprises a solenoid configured to modify a position of a deflector key.

Pneumatic Line Apparatus

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a set of three pneumatic lines 120 (e.g.,lines 120-1 a, 120-1 b, 120-1 c) in fluid communication with each of thethree bulk seed hoppers 110 a, 110 b, 110 c preferably form a singlesegregated line 130 (e.g., segregated line 130-1) extending from theentrainers 115 to one of the row units 190 (e.g., row unit 190-1).

A first embodiment of the segregated line 130 is illustrated in FIG. 2,which is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic line 120 as viewedalong line 2-2 of FIG. 1. Each pneumatic line 120 preferably comprises asegregated, longitudinally extending inner volume of the segregated line130. Each pneumatic line 120 is preferably segregated from the otherpneumatic lines by a partition 125. In the embodiment if FIG. 2, thepartition 125 forms radially symmetrical lines 120-1 a, 120-1 b, 120-1 cwithin the segregated line 130. Seeds 60 travel through lines 120 influid communication with an associated bulk seed hopper 110 (e.g., seeds60 a from seed hopper 110 a are travel through line 120-1 a within thesegregated line 130-1).

A second embodiment of the segregated line 130 is illustrated in theside view of FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4 which is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3 as viewed along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3. As with the firstembodiment, each pneumatic line 120 preferably comprises a segregatedlongitudinally extending inner volume of the segregated line 130. Eachpneumatic line 120 is preferably segregated from the other pneumaticlines by a partition 125 (e.g., the pneumatic lines 120-1 a, 120-1 b areseparated by the partition 125-1 ab and the pneumatic lines 120-1 b,120-1 c are separated by the partition 125-1 bc). Seeds 60 travelthrough lines 120 in fluid communication with an associated bulk seedhopper 110 (e.g., seeds 60 a from seed hopper 110 a are travel throughline 120-1 a within the segregated line 130-1).

Variety Selection Apparatus

As described above, the electrical system 600 preferably includes anactuator 650 or set of actuators 650 or actuator valves 640 configuredto selectively place one of the pneumatic lines 120 in seedcommunication with the seed meter 140.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5 and as shown in FIG. 6, whichschematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view as viewed alonglines 6-6 of FIG. 5, each pneumatic line 120 is in fluid communicationwith a segregated seed pool 144 (e.g., the pneumatic line 120-1 a is influid communication with the segregated seed pool 144-1 a). Eachsegregated seed pool 144 is separated from a central seed pool 145 by agate 142. The set of actuators 650 comprises three actuators 143configured to raise and lower the associated gates 142. Each actuator143 preferably comprises a pneumatic actuator spring-loaded into aretracted position such that each gate 142 is normally open unless theassociated actuator 143 is extended. A pneumatic solenoid-operatedon-off valve 640 is preferably in fluid communication with each actuator143. Each valve 640 is preferably in fluid communication with an aircompressor supplying pressurized air to each valve 640. When one of theactuators (e.g., actuator 143-1 b) is retracted to raise the associatedgate (e.g., gate 142-1 b), seeds are allowed to fall from the seed pooldisposed behind the gate (e.g., seed pool 144-1 b) into the central seedpool 145. Seeds from the seed pool 145 are entrained on seed-carryingapertures in a seed disc 141 adjacent to the seed pool 145. As the seedpool 145 empties, an optical sensor 630 disposed in a lower wall of theseed meter 140 is exposed to light (e.g., a light source inside the seedpool 145) such that the optical sensor generates a signal correspondingto an empty seed pool.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrating different views ofone of the pneumatic lines 120, a terminal portion of each pneumaticline 120 is selectively positioned adjacent the seed disc 141 to supplyseed directly to the seed disc 141. A vented cap 132-1 (FIGS. 7B-7C)selectively covers two of the segregated lines such that seeds areretained in the end of the pneumatic lines that are not used to supplyseed to the seed disc 141. The vented cap 132-1 comprises an end wall133 having a plurality of apertures 137 therein and an opening 139. Theactuator 650 comprises a servo motor 134 configured to rotate thepartition 125 relative to the vented cap 132-1 and the seed disc 141 inorder to supply seed from a different one of the segregated lines to theseed disc 141. For example, as the servo motor 134-1 rotates thepartition 125-1 counterclockwise on the view of FIGS. 7B and 7C (orclockwise in the view of FIG. 7A), the line 120-1 a rotates behind thevented cap 132-1 and the line 120-1 b is exposed to the opening 139 inthe vented cap 132-1 such that seeds are supplied from the line 120-1 bto the seed disc 141-1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the segregated line 130 terminates above aconveyor 149 having two seed pools 145-r, 145-f. A first actuator 650-1preferably comprises a servo motor 134-1 configured to rotate a ventedcap 132-1 relative to the terminal end of the segregated line 130 inorder to selectively open one of the pneumatic lines 120 (e.g., in FIG.8, the cap 132-1 is positioned to open the pneumatic line 120-1 b). Asecond actuator 650-2 preferably comprises a servo motor 136-1configured to adjust a position of the conveyor 149 in order to modifythe position of the seed pools 145-r, 145-f relative to the seed disc141-1. In a first position, the seed pool 145-f is positioned adjacentto the seed disc 141-1 to supply seed to the seed disc. In the firstposition, seeds supplied from the segregated line 130-1 are depositedinto the seed pool 145-r. In a second position, the seed pool 145-r ispositioned adjacent to the seed disc 141-1 to supply seed to the seeddisc.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, three segregated seed pools 144 are influid communication with pneumatic lines 120 for receiving seed from thebulk seed hoppers 110 (e.g., seed pool 144-1 c is in fluid communicationwith pneumatic line 120-1 c). Each seed pool 145 is adjacent to and inseed communication with concentrically arranged seed aperture arrays 170(e.g., the seed pool 144-1 a is adjacent to and in seed communicationwith the seed aperture array 170-1 c). An actuator 650 preferablycomprises a linear actuator 150 configured to modify a position of a key152. The key 152 is preferably configured to selectively deflect two ofthe three seed aperture arrays 170 such that seeds fall back into theseed pool 145 from which seeds are drawn by the associated aperturearrays 170. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the key 152 preferably includestwo deflectors 154, 158 each having a width 2Ws (where Ws is thetransverse width of each seed aperture array 170 as illustrated in FIG.9) separated by an opening 156 having a width Ws. It should beappreciated that this configuration of the key 152 allows positioning ofthe key to selectively deflect seeds from any two of the three seedaperture arrays 170 while allowing seeds on the other seed aperturearray to be transferred past the key 152 and deposited by the disc. Forexample, in FIG. 9 the deflector 154 deflects seeds from seed aperturearrays 170-1 c and 170-1 b into the seed pools 144-1 c and 144-1 b,respectively, while seeds are carried by seed aperture array 170-1 athrough the opening 156 and deposited by the disc 141.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, three segregated seed pools 144 are influid communication with pneumatic lines 120 for receiving seed from thebulk seed hoppers 110 (e.g., seed pool 144-1 c is in fluid communicationwith pneumatic line 120-1 c). Each seed pool 145 is adjacent to and inseed communication with concentrically arranged seed aperture arrays 170(e.g., the seed pool 144-1 c is adjacent to and in seed communicationwith the seed aperture array 170-1 c). An actuator 650 preferablycomprises a linear actuator 160 configured to modify a position of aroller key 162. The roller key 162 is preferably configured toselectively cut off the vacuum from two of the three seed aperturearrays 170 such that seeds fall back into the seed pool 145 from whichseeds are drawn by the associated aperture arrays 170. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the roller key 162 preferably includes two rollers 164, 168each having a width 2Ws (where Ws is the transverse width of each seedaperture array 170 as illustrated in FIG. 11) separated by an opening166 having a width Ws. It should be appreciated that this configurationof the roller key 162 allows positioning of the roller key 162 toselectively cut off vacuum at any two of the three seed aperture arrays170 while allowing seeds in the other seed aperture array to betransferred and deposited by the disc. For example, in FIG. 11 theroller 164 cuts off vacuum from seed aperture arrays 170-1 a and 170-1 ballowing seeds to fall back into the seed pools 144-1 a and 144-1 b,respectively, while seeds are carried by seed aperture array 170-1 c anddeposited by the disc 141.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B (where 16B is anenlarged partial side elevation view of FIG. 16A), a seed side housing135 of the seed meter 140 includes three seed pools 145 laterallyseparated by brushes 196. Each brush 196 is preferably disposed to be incontact with the seed disc 141 when the seed side housing 135 is mountedto the seed meter 140. Each seed pool 145 is preferably in seedcommunication with an associated pneumatic line 120. As the seed disc141 rotates in the direction S past the seeds in the seed pools 145,seeds are entrained on the seed aperture arrays 170 and drawn upward outof the seed pools 145. After the seeds exit the seed pools 145, seedsare drawn past the singulators 195; the singulators 195 preferablycomprise singulators including multiple co-planar lobes such as thosedisclosed in Applicant's co-pending International Patent Application No.PCT/US2012/030192, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference. The singulators 195 are preferablysupported in a spring-loaded fashion by the seed side housing 135 suchthat the singulator lobes are preferably axially biased against thesurface of the seed disc 141. Each singulator 195 is preferably radiallybiased against an annular shoulder (not shown) provided in the seed disc141 such that the singulators 195 “float” radially with radialdisplacement of the seed disc 141. As seeds are drawn past singulators195, multiple seeds (e.g., doubles or triples) entrained on the seedapertures are stripped from the surface of the disc and fall back intothe seed pool 145. It should be appreciated that the singulators 195 arepreferably disposed above the associated seed pools such that each seedfalls into the seed pool from which it originated after being removed bythe singulator 195.

The seed aperture array 170-1 a is preferably disposed at a radialdistance Da from the axial center of the seed disc 141. The distance Dais preferably approximately six (6) inches. The seed aperture array170-1 b is preferably disposed at a radial distance Da+Db from the axialcenter of the seed disc 141. The distance Db is preferably between 2(two) and 3 (three) inches. The seed aperture array 170-1 c ispreferably disposed at a radial distance Da+Db+Dc from the axial centerof the seed disc 141. The distance Dc is preferably between 2 (two) and3 (three) inches.

After passing through the singulators 195, seeds are then selectivelyremoved from the seed apertures by a key 800. The key 800 is preferablyselectively rotated by a solenoid 150. It should be appreciated that thesolenoid 150 comprises an actuator 650 configured to select an activeseed pool 145. Referring to FIGS. 17A-17C, the key 800 preferablyincludes deflectors disposed to selectively deflect seeds from thesurface of the seed disc 141. Deflectors 832, 834 are disposed todeflect seeds from the seed aperture arrays 170-1 b, 170-1 crespectively when the key 800 is oriented such that the deflectors 832,834 extend toward the seed disc 141, but the key 800 allows seeds on theseed aperture array 170-1 a to pass the deflector key 800 undeflectedwhen the key is in that position. As the key 800 is rotated, e.g., in 90degree intervals, the deflectors 812, 814 and 822, 824 similarlyselectively deflect seeds from the surface of the seed disc 141. Thesolenoid 150 preferably has first, second and third positions in whichthe key 800 is rotated by increments of 90 degrees. Each deflectorpreferably has a width Ws at least as wide as the width Ws of the seedapertures on the disc 141 such that seeds are effectively deflected fromthe apertures by the deflectors; likewise, a gap between the deflectorsalso preferably has a width Ws such that seeds are allowed to passbetween the deflectors. The solenoid preferably rotates between thefirst, second and third positions based upon the voltage applied to thesolenoid; for example, in some embodiments 1 volt corresponds to thefirst position, 0 volts corresponds to the second position, and −1 voltcorresponds to the third position.

After seeds are deflected from the seed disc 141 by the key 800, theypreferably fall back into the seed pool 145 from which each seedoriginated. Thus the key 800 is preferably disposed such that eachdeflector is positioned vertically above the seed pool 145 correspondingto the seed aperture array 170 drawing seeds from the seed pool to thedeflector.

A vacuum seal (not shown) creates a vacuum on the vacuum side of theseed disc 141 (i.e., the reverse side of the seed side of the seed discillustrated in FIG. 16A) such that seeds are entrained on the seedaperture arrays 170 by the vacuum created on the vacuum side. The vacuumseal preferably creates a vacuum in a region beginning at approximately7 o'clock (as viewed in FIG. 16A) such that seeds are entrained at theseed pools 145. The vacuum seal preferably terminates along asubstantially vertical border 180. The border 180 is preferably between0 and 3 inches forward of the center of the seed disc 141); in someembodiments the upper end of the border 180 is located between 12o'clock and 1 o'clock as viewed in FIG. 16A. Because the vacuum sealterminates adjacent a portion of the seed aperture arrays 170 at whichthe seeds have a forward horizontal velocity, seeds released from thedisc 141 after the vacuum seal terminates travel a forward distancewhile falling from the disc (e.g., along an arcuate path such as path182 illustrated in FIG. 16A). However, the horizontal velocity of seedson the seed aperture arrays 170 decreases with the distance of the seedaperture arrays 170 from the center of the disc such that the forwarddistance traveled by the seeds decrease with the distance of the seedaperture arrays from the disc; e.g., seeds falling from the seedaperture array 170-1 c travel a smaller forward distance than seedsreleased from the seed aperture array 170-1 a. Additionally, becauseseeds on the outer seed aperture arrays 170-1 b, 170-1 c are released atthe same fore-aft position as the inner seed aperture array 170-1 a, thewidth of a fall zone 186 is smaller than if the border 180 was angledforward or extended radially from the center of the seed disc 141. Thewidth of the fall zone 186 is preferably smaller than the width of anopening in the upper end of a seed tube 185 disposed to receive seedsfalling from the disc. In other embodiments the vacuum seal terminatesalong a border that is angled rearwardly such that an upper end of theborder is rearward of a lower end of the border; in such embodiments thewidth of the fall zone 186 is even smaller than that illustrated in FIG.16A.

In some embodiments, rather than free-falling from the seed disc intothe seed tube 185, seeds fall into the flights of a flighted conveyorbelt disposed to capture the seeds from any of the aperture arrays andto deposit the seeds captured from the aperture arrays into the seedtube. The flighted conveyor belt may be similar to that described inU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/923,426, incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference. In other embodiments, the flighted conveyor beltis configured to deposit seeds directly into the trench. The flightedconveyor belt is preferably driven at a speed directly related to therotational speed of the seed meter. In some embodiments the flightedconveyor belt is driven by the same motor used to drive the seed disc ordriven by a gear driven by rotation of the seed disc. In otherembodiments the flighted conveyor belt is driven by a separate motor.

In another embodiment of the system 100, each set of pneumatic lines 120of the system 100 are in communication with an input switching systemand variety switch for switching the variety of seed supplied to theseed meter 140, such as are disclosed in U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/929,665, which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

Variety Selection and Mapping Processes

A process 700 for selecting and mapping seed varieties is illustrated inFIG. 14. It should be appreciated that the process 700 is adapted formetering apparatus having a central seed pool (e.g., the central seedpool 145-1 in the seed meter 140 of FIG. 5). At step 705, the monitor610 preferably selects a seed pool actuator position (e.g., extends theactuators 143-1 a and 143-1 c and retracts the actuator 143-1 b to allowseeds from seed pool 144-1 b to enter the seed pool 145-1). At step 710,the monitor 610 preferably estimates a seed pool count (e.g., bydetermining whether the signal generated by the seed pool level sensor630 corresponds to a nearly empty seed pool). For example, if the seedpool level sensor 630 indicates that light is being received by the seedpool level sensor, the monitor 610 preferably assumes a predeterminednumber of seeds (e.g., 30 seeds) remain in the seed pool 145. At step715, the monitor 610 preferably determines the number of seeds to avariety selection event based on a prescription map stored in the memoryof the monitor 610, e.g., using the processes disclosed in Applicant'sU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/745,315, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. At step 720,the monitor 610 preferably compares the seed pool count to the number ofseeds to a variety selection event. At step 725, the monitor 610preferably modifies a seed pool actuator position when the seed poolcount equals the number of seeds to a variety selection event. Forexample, when the number of seeds to a boundary between a portion of thefield to be planted with seeds from bulk seed hopper 110 b and 110 a isequal to the number of seeds in the seed pool 145-1, the monitor 610preferably retracts the actuator 143-1 a and extends the actuator 143-1b in order to allow seeds from the seed pool 144-1 a to enter the seedpool 145-1. At step 730, the monitor 610 preferably generates anddisplays an as-planted variety map in which distance traveled by theimplement during the actuator position modification is indicated by a“blended zone” in which both seeds from bulk seed hoppers 110 a and 110b may have been planted.

A process 750 for selecting and mapping seed varieties is illustrated in15. It should be appreciated that the process 750 is adapted formetering apparatus having multiple seed pools and no central seed pool,such as the seed meter embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C. At step 755, themonitor 610 selects a seed pool actuator position (e.g., moves the seedpool relative to the disc in the embodiment of FIG. 8 or rotates theservo motor 134 in the embodiments of FIGS. 7A-7C in order to place adifferent pneumatic line 120 in seed communication with the seed disc141). At step 760, the monitor 610 compares a position of the implement(as reported by the GPS receiver 666) to a boundary between twovarieties on a variety prescription map stored in the memory of themonitor 610. At step 765, the monitor 610 preferably modifies a seedpool actuator position when the implement position crosses a varietyboundary on the prescription map. For example, the monitor 610preferably commands the servo motor 134 to rotate in the embodiments ofFIGS. 7A-7C in order to place a different pneumatic line 120 in seedcommunication with the seed disc 141. At step 770, the monitor 610preferably generates and displays an as-planted variety map in which thelocation of the actuator position modification is indicated by a borderbetween seed types stored in bulk seed hoppers 110 a and 110 b.

A process 900 for selecting and mapping seed varieties is illustrated inFIG. 18. It should be appreciated that the process 900 is adapted formetering apparatus having a multiple seed pools in seed communicationwith multiple seed arrays from which seeds are selectively deflectedfrom the seed disc by a deflector key, e.g., the embodiments of FIGS. 9and 11 (and associated embodiments of the keys 152, 162, respectively ofFIGS. 10 and 12) or the embodiments of FIGS. 16A-16B (and associatedembodiment of the key 800 in FIGS. 17A-17C). At step 905, the monitor610 preferably selects a first position of the deflector key 800, e.g.by modifying the position of the solenoid 150. The selected position ofthe deflector key 800 preferably allows one and only one of the threeseed aperture arrays 170 (e.g., seed aperture array 170-1 a) to carryseeds from the associated seed pool 145 for deposition into the seedtube 185 while the deflectors on the deflector key deflect seeds fromthe other two seed aperture arrays (e.g., seed aperture arrays 170-1 band 170-1 c). At step 910, the monitor 610 preferably compares aposition of the planter, e.g., as reported by the GPS receiver 666, to avariety selection boundary on a variety map stored in the memory 614 ofthe monitor 610. Once a variety selection boundary has been crossed, atstep 920 the monitor 610 preferably selects a second position of thedeflector key 800, e.g. by modifying the position of the solenoid 150 torotate the deflector key 800 through 90 degree increments about alongitudinal axis of the deflector key. The selected second position ofthe deflector key 800 preferably allows one and only one of the threeseed aperture arrays 170 (e.g., seed aperture array 170-1 b) to carryseeds from the associated seed pool 145 for deposition into the seedtube 185 while the deflectors on the deflector key deflect seeds fromthe other two seed aperture arrays (e.g., seed aperture arrays 170-1 aand 170-1 c). At step 925, the monitor 610 preferably commands the seedmeter drive 672 to rotate at a new rate R′ in revolutions per minute(rpm) corresponding to the desired application rate, the implementspeed, and the number of seed apertures in the activated seed aperturearray 170. For example, where the deflector key 800 is rotated todeactivate a seed pool array 170-1 a having Na seeds and to activate aseed pool array 170-1 b having a Nb seeds, assuming a constant desiredapplication rate (e.g. 30,000 seeds per acre) and constant implementspeed as reported by the GPS receiver 666 or the speed sensor 668 (e.g.,5 miles per hour), the monitor 610 preferably modifies the rate of seedmeter drive rotation R from R to R′ according to the equation:

${R^{\prime}({rpm})} = {R \times \frac{N_{b}}{N_{a}}}$

At step 930, the monitor 610 preferably generates spatial datareflecting the as-planted seed variety (e.g., by recording a seed typeassociated with the seed pools from which the meter 140 allows seeds tobe planted prior to and after the variety boundary) and displays anas-applied variety map (e.g., by displaying a map having regionsreflecting the seed types planted before and after the varietyboundary).

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principlesand features of the system and methods described herein will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system andmethods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for selecting an agriculturalinput, comprising: a first input source of a first seed; a second inputsource of a second seed; a meter having a seed disc, said meter incommunication with said first input source of said first seed and saidsecond input source of said second seed; a selection apparatus whichconstrains said meter to deposit only said first seed or said secondseed at one time; processing circuitry in electrical communication withsaid selection apparatus, said processing circuitry configured to send acommand signal to said selection apparatus in order to modify aconfiguration of said selection apparatus from a first configuration toa second configuration, wherein in said first configuration said meterdeposits said first seed, and wherein in said second configuration saidmeter deposits said second seed; wherein said selection apparatusincludes: a first segregated pool of said first seed; a secondsegregated pool of said second seed; and a central seed pool incommunication with said seed disc; a first gate separating said firstsegregated pool of said first seed from said central seed pool; a secondgate segregating said second segregated pool of said second seed fromsaid central seed pool; a first gate actuator configured to raise andlower said first gate; and a second gate actuator configured to raiseand lower said second gate; wherein said processing circuitryalternately commands said first and second gate actuators torespectively raise said first gate and said second gate, whereby saidseed disc is selectively placed in communication with one of said firstand said second segregated pools.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein saidfirst seed pool and said second seed pool are disposed on a conveyor,said conveyor movable between a first position in which said first seedpool is in communication with said seed disc and a second position inwhich said second seed pool is in communication with said seed disc. 3.The system of claim 1, further comprising: a seed level sensor inelectrical communication with said processing circuitry.
 4. The systemof claim 3, wherein said seed level sensor is disposed to generate asignal when an amount of said first or said second seed in said centralseed pool is less than a threshold amount.
 5. A system for selecting anagricultural input, comprising: a first input source of a first seed; asecond input source of a second seed; a meter in communication with saidfirst input source of said first seed and said second input source ofsaid second seed; a selection apparatus whereby said meter isconstrained to deposit only said first seed or said second seed at onetime, and whereby said meter is capable of alternating betweendepositing said first seed and said second seed; processing circuitry inelectrical communication with said selection apparatus, said processingcircuitry configured to send a command signal to said selectionapparatus in order to modify a configuration of said selection apparatusfrom a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in saidfirst configuration said meter deposits said first seed, and wherein insaid second configuration said meter deposits said second seed; whereinsaid meter includes a seed disc, said seed disc having a first array ofseed apertures and a second array of seed apertures, said second arrayconcentrically arranged with respect to said first array; wherein saidselection apparatus includes: a first seed pool of said first seed, saidfirst seed pool in communication with said first array of seedapertures; a second seed pool of said second seed, said second seed poolin communication with said second array of seed apertures; and a keyhaving a first position and a second position, wherein in said firstposition said key prevents said first seed of said first seed pool incommunication with said first array of seed apertures from beingdeposited, and wherein in said second position said key prevents saidsecond seed of said second seed pool in communication with said secondarray of seed apertures from being deposited; and an actuator operablyconnected to said key, said actuator disposed to move said key betweensaid first position and said second position.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein said actuator is in communication with said processingcircuitry, said processing circuitry configured to send a control signalto said actuator such that said actuator alternates between said firstposition and said second position.
 7. The system of claim 5, furthercomprising: a first singulator disposed to remove excess seeds from saidfirst array of seed apertures; and a second singulator disposed toremove excess seeds from said second array of seed apertures.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein said first singulator is disposed betweensaid first seed pool and said key, and wherein said second singulator isdisposed between said second seed pool and said key.
 9. The system ofclaim 7, wherein said key is disposed to knock said first seed from saidfirst array of seed apertures into said first seed pool in said firstposition, and wherein said key is disposed to knock said second seedfrom said second array of seed apertures into said second seed pool. 10.The system of claim 5, further including: a motor for driving said seeddisc at variable speeds, said motor in communication with saidprocessing circuitry for receiving a speed command signal correspondingto a rotational speed of said seed disc, wherein said processingcircuitry modifies said speed command signal based on a position of saidkey.